Lenny Kravitz: Teena Marie 'Took Me In' As a Teenager
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While many artists have reacted online to the death of Teena Marie on Sunday (Dec. 26), Lenny Kravitz details the special bond that he and the R&B singer shared in a new video that hit the web a day later. Speaking to the camera, Kravitz describes how Marie took him into her home when he was a teenage musician and concludes, "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Teena."
Kravitz, who wears a hood and speaks softly in the clip, says that when he was a 16-year-old "musician on the street," Marie gave him a bedroom, cooked for him, brought him to concerts and encouraged his musical talents by buying him instruments. "I've never really talked much about it in depth, but I would not be here. She changed my life, not only as an artist, but as a person," the 46-year-old rocker tells the camera.
R&B Singer Teena Marie Dead at 54
Marie, the "Ivory Queen of Soul" best known for her hit "Lovegirl" and for her work with mentor Rick James, was found dead on Sunday at the age of 54. Dozens of musical stars, including Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and Diddy, took to Twitter on Monday (Dec. 27) to offer their condolences.
Kravitz, who can be heard on the Michael Jackson posthumous release "Michael," says that he found out about the death when he woke up in Paris on Monday morning. While he says that he and Marie had been out of touch for the last few years, Kravitz addresses the singer and says, "Teena, I will always love and respect you. Thank you for being my friend."
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